Order of Business timing
The Chair concludes Questions on Promised Legislation, then replies to a point of order about speaking slots and the fairness of the timing system. He says the allocation is transparent and any change to time limits must be made by altering the House rules.
That concludes questions on promised legislation. Some Members have expressed dissatisfaction with the time being provided for these-----
Comment on this
On a point of order, would it be possible to get an overnight here?
Comment on this
I ask that because when I came in to the Chamber this morning, a number of Deputies were already here before me. They were at a function that I also attended. I left before them but they were able to get here before me. I do not know what way the numbers are given out but-----
Comment on this
The system is completely transparent. I cannot be held responsible for who is in the Chamber first or who picks numbers in advance. On the issue of timing, however, if Members are unhappy with the time provided, I ask them to come forward with proposals to change it. As long as the rules of the House provide for a specific amount of time, my responsibility is to ensure that all Members adhere to the rules. The rules are for all 158 of us and no individuals are exempt from them. If the time is not adequate, Members can change that and provide more time.